CNY Cat Coalition scores big with pet food drive

Let's face it - these are tough economic times. It's hard enough for some families to put food on the table, much less manage to afford kibble for their pet's food dish. The Cat Coalition decided to help by partnering with the Tractor Supply Store located on Route 31 in Clay to host their first ever Four-Legged Food Drive last fall.

According to Event Organizer Bonnie Watson, the goal was ambitious to collect 1,000 pounds in donated pet food to benefit the organization's pet food pantry, which provides food to needy pet owners.

The generosity of the central New York community was amazing. Local residents and Tractor Supply staff and customers came out in full force and helped the group surpass their goal to end the day with a whopping 1,158 pounds of pet food, litter, cash donations, several polar fleece blankets and even cat toys.

One gentleman was kind enough to donate a shopping cart filled with 50-pound bags of dog food, saying he had once needed help. "Now, I've been blessed and want to give back." A Nedrow couple drove up with nine bags of pet food, plus toys and blankets.

Many thanks go to the outstanding cooperation and encouragement that Tractor Supply manager Dennis and all his employees (especially Chris and Stewart) gave to the group as they planned and prepared for the food drive. It was a win-win situation for both the Cat Coalition and the Tractor Supply. The group collected enough food to help many disadvantaged pet owners feed their companion animals and help. Those needing assistance in feeding their pets can contact the Coalition Helpline at 289-2287 or go to cnycatcoalition.org for more information.